Yet more unwarranted credit for Rodgers. I think you'll find Arsene Wenger has been failing in those competitons for years.
did that model account for games played? iirc IF liverpool win it will be with the lowest ever # of games played for the whole season (all comps)
Let's not start Moyseing up the scope of Liverpool's "limited resources". Liverpool are still one of the biggest and richest clubs in the league. They've been quite capable of fielding solid first XIs throughout the Premiership era. In fact, when lack of success elsewhere focusses their resources on a single competition, they've tended to excel (see Rafa's CL success).
I like Sturridge, and he's doing well. He might have a great conversion record. Let's see him maintain this form over next season as well. Can he perform in the WC? Will he do as well in the CL or with an increased workload or game time with less rest?
He hasn't had a half decent performance for England yet....so it will be a push for him to suddenly turn up for the World Cup. Having said that...he should still be a guaranteed starter considering England's lack of options.
Issue with him is he was always limited creatively and tactically. At his previous clubs he had more or less a set role and cater to others ahead of him in the pecking order. Not technically unjustifiable but not the best way to get the best out of him. At Liverpool Rodgers has allowed him a free role. (Along with Suarez) and express himself so we are seeing wonderful trickery and chips, dips, etc from him which he's always had in his locker. If Rodgers continues this, I don't doubt we will see him retain his consistency.
Sturridge has yet to prove that he can maintain this level in more than one competition and notably in Europe where he only has a mere two goals in his career to date. He has only played 30 times this season and might not feature again pending scans on his hamstring injury. I am a fan of his and he has been misused at prior clubs but questions remain for him to answer on the pitch.
Hala Madrid. Not sure if I want Everton to lose or not. Want us to overtake them (doubtful), but also want them to beat Arsenal to 4th. Can't have your cake...